Trixie Lulamoon has led a hard life, especially after the events of her magic duel with Twilight Sparkle. Now trying to piece herself back together, can she learn the meaning of friendship from her first real friend, Maud Pie?

Following the Grand Galloping Gala, Rarity approaches Maud about replacing that "gaudy old" dress of hers. Maud takes her up on the offer―but she quickly learns that dealing with Rarity comes with problems of its own.

The Princesses' birthday celebration is here again, and Mayor Mare needs a scapegoat—er, trusted citizen—to handle Ponyville's gift. Deciding what to get for an ancient ruler who's seen everything will be a piece of cake.

While on a work trip to help family in Appleloosa, Big Macintosh strikes up some correspondences with friends back home. These are the letters that crossed Twilight Sparkle's desk. Sometimes words don't mean what they say.

Apple Bloom gets a rare chance to spend the day with her friend (and possible relative!) Maud Pie. Of course, she knows there's more to Maud than it appears, but her special talent means helping Maud to figure that out, too.

That was a cute little story, one that could definitely become an episode with one or two small details changed to fit the young audience. You very well handled the premise leaking from the small sentence Apple Bloom said in the show ("I really like Maud, she's sweet once you get to know her").

However, and because I'm a nitpicker, I don't think Maud is the kind of pony to be shy about her passions. I've always seen her as someone who doesn't really care about what others can think of her, except maybe for her friends and family. And the story isn't really clear if it's just an interpretation of Apple Bloom or if it is indeed who Maud is.

Still, it was a nice little story.

her favorite series still hadn’t updated

Wich series are you waiting for Pascoite? Or am I thinking too meta here?

7872914 I didn't have a series in mind for Apple Bloom, and it wasn't a reference to anything I'm waiting for IRL, but if forced to impose one, I'd pick Sailor Moon (and not because of Apple Bloomers, though I do find it funny). What would you like her to read?

It's not so much that Maud cares what ponies think of her. It's more that she feels like her non-rock poetry is really unprofessional for someone in her position, and in an academic field where you have to constantly publish your research, the perception of your peers is important.

Finally, A Maud and Apple Bloom slice of life that isn't centered around foalcon.

Widgiemoolthalite

That sounds absolutely hilarious, and I really want it to show up as a character on Steven Universe now. Maybe Peridot and Lapis?

“I knew the mine was too deep to go in without a light, but now we have to wait for our eyes to adjust. It should take about fifteen minutes before you stop seeing the lamplight’s afterimage.”

Wynaut just close one eye to preserve night vision? Surely Maud of all ponies knows about this trick?

This was a really cute piece. I love slice of life stories for this reason. Some of them even feel like an episode. And the double symbolism with the rocks and Maud's personality is excellent. This was a treat.

I didn't have a series in mind for Apple Bloom, and it wasn't a reference to anything I'm waiting for IRL, but if forced to impose one, I'd pick Sailor Moon (and not because of Apple Bloomers, though I do find it funny). What would you like her to read?

It's hard to tell wich series Apple Bloom could read. Before she got her cutie mark, I would have said that she would read stories about a pony who have a huge destiny awaiting him/her, and who live big adventures around equestria. Maybe a sci-fi story, like Midnight Special. But now that she has her cutie mark, it's harder. She has find her place along her friends Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, they have grown up a lot and they aren't searching for their true place anymore. She could still read adventures stories, just to remember what she used to be, though. It's hard to tell.If I had to pick one, I would make her read a serie where the main character travels around Equestria to help ponies. This character would be an inspiration for what she does with the CMC, helping ponies discover and understand their talent. Like Cheese Sandwich travelling Equestria to hold parties and make ponies happy. This character wouldn't be alone of course. He/she could help ponies understanding their foals, and resolve any problems the family could have.

It's not so much that Maud cares what ponies think of her. It's more that she feels like her non-rock poetry is really unprofessional for someone in her position, and in an academic field where you have to constantly publish your research, the perception of your peers is important.

Interesting, I hadn't taken into account the perception of her peers. It is true that in the general field of research, how you are seen is as important as what you publish. It is what allow someone to be heard and, therefore, it grants access to more funds and visibility.

Your mineral knowledge is showing again, Pas ;). Quite the "slice of life" story indeed. Very cozy, very sweet. As Fenton put it, this could make for a good little episode in the show. Although it would probably get mucked up with some needless conflict or drama; you can't really have an episode you can just sit and calmly drink tea to with this show. Anyway, I had recently caught up with the recent Steven Universe episodes, and boy let me tell you just how relevant this has become. And with this being such a chill story, I was debating over fitting music for this. Whether to go with "Starborn Valley" from Paper Mario, or "Interrupted By Fireworks" from FFVII for that touchy-feely feel (though there's no fireworks. Meh). But I will say this:

HOLY CELESTIA whats with all the bloom and dimond puns and clichesI mean its like every time i turn my head its bloomin (insert corney pun here) or Dimond(insert corny pun here)! ITS BUCKING NUTS GAME OVER MAN GAME OVER

Btw im not realy criticizing you per se I'm just getting tired of seeing the same titles is all

7874561 Oh, and there are a number of funny-sounding minerals. We all know Australian place names are silly, and location of discovery is a common way to name minerals, so the Aussies have given us Widgiemoolthalite, Kapundaite, Moolooite, Mundrabillaite, Nullaginite, Paratooite, Pittongite, Cloncurryite, Kalgoorlieite, Kambaldaite, Wycheproofite, and Yancowinnaite among others.

“Pinkie told me about this event,” Maud said with another blink. “Pure corundum is colorless. Iron and titanium impurities can turn it blue, and I didn’t want these little guys feeling too self-conscious about it, so I thought I might find them an understanding home here.”Rarity managed to close her gaping jaw. “S-sapphires?”

“I think I could open my doors to such a treasure trove of sweet dears,” Rarity said, her eyes practically glinting as much as the gems. Beside her, Applejack stifled a giggle, and Rainbow Dash looked like she might pop.“Thank you so much,” Maud droned as Rarity levitated the box of sapphires toward herself. “Your compassion knows no bounds.”

This is a very well written story and I just so thoroughly enjoyed how you put Maud and Bloom together. Maud doesn't seem to be outwardly expressive of her moods and feelings and it takes a special pony to pick up on her subtleties. Apple Bloom, for all her rambunctiousness, really picks up on Maud's feelings and thoughts. You gave a wonderful, touching look at how a true friend can bring out those hidden parts and get you to see them in a different light. It could even spark an interest that leads to fulfilling a dream or just having more enjoyment in life.

Wow, that was so sweet and beautiful! I can't believe it took me this long to actually get to reading this! I could definitely see this happening, word for word, in the current show. You've really nailed down all of the characters to a T, especially Maud (we desperately need to see more of this side of her in the actual show!!)